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Last Updated on: 27th February 2025, 10:09 pm
Tesla released its updated Model Y on February 26 in the Philippines in a simple launch followed by a public display at the centrally located EDSA Shangri-La Plaza that will go until March 9, 2025. This launch introduces changes to the popular electric vehicle, which Tesla claims is the world’s best-selling vehicle and holds high safety ratings.
The launch series of the Model Y includes several distinctive design elements. These include a customized launch badge on the rear, puddle light badges, and doorsill plates with a “Launch Series” wordmark. The interior features a launch-specific design for the center charging console with silver accents and an all-black vegan suede trim.
One of the first buyers of the Model Y is well-known Philippine chef Rolando Laudico, known better as “Chef Laudico,” who told CleanTechnica he was lined up for the Model Y Launch and has been waiting since November for his car. There is a beeline for the Model 3 according to sources at Tesla Philippines, and an increased interest for the Model Y. So far, Tesla officially released 5 cars to its first customers.
Tesla Philippine president Isabel Fan explains why the Tesla Model Y is the best selling car in the world. (Photo by author)
During the launch, Tesla Philippines President Isabel Fan said that the Model Y is currently the best selling passenger vehicle in the world. In 2023, sales of the Tesla Model Y were up 64% from 2022 and hit 1.22 million units. This is 480,000 more units than 2021. According to a report by JATO dynamics, this feat was “achieved by no other manufacturer before. Consequently, the Model Y managed to outsell traditional global top-sellers like Toyota’s RAV4 and Corolla sedan.”
The exterior of the updated Model Y incorporates design cues reportedly inspired by the Cybertruck and Cybercab. These include a new cross-car lightbar at the front and indirect reflective body panel taillights. A new “Glacier Blue” paint option is also available.
Tesla highlights improvements to cabin quietness, citing double-layer glass for all windows and a panoramic glass roof designed to reduce UV rays and heat. Redesigned wheels and a rear diffuser aim to improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.
The Model Y Launch edition as it is being scrutinized by curious media onlookers. (Photo by author)
Interior features carried over from the Model 3, such as ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and a second-row 8-inch touchscreen display, are included in the updated Model Y. The Long Range variant features a 15-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, while the rear-wheel drive variant has a 9-speaker system. The rear passenger seats can be adjusted or folded down to provide a claimed storage space of over 2,130 liters.
Tesla states that the exterior has been redesigned to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, increasing range. The company also claims that the Model Y can achieve up to 266 kilometers of range in 15 minutes when using a V4 Supercharger. The first V4 Supercharging station in the Philippines has been established at Uptown Mall, with four Superchargers. Tesla plans to expand its charging infrastructure, including the installation of V4 Superchargers at Shangri-La Plaza EDSA.
The Model Y is offered in two variants: Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range. Pricing starts at ₱2,369,000 ($40,800) for the Rear-Wheel Drive and ₱2,689,000 ($46,500) for the Long Range variant. The Launch Series is available for a limited time.
Tesla Philippines sources its vehicles from the Gigafactory in Shanghai and enjoys tariff-free importation under Executive Order No. 12 until 2028.
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